1. C On-Track Unit Plan Engaging Students in On-Track Conversations
TOOL SET C
Engaging Students in On-Track Conversations
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On-Track Unit Plan
An instructional unit created and implemented by the guidance department of a Network for College Success partner school.
Teachers can modify the unit for use during seminar and/or advisory classes.
IMPLEMENTING SCHOOL-BASED TEAMS
NCS FRESHMAN ON-TRACK TOOLKIT
232

2. C On-Track Unit Plan Overview
TOOL SET C
Engaging Students in On-Track Conversations
PAGE 1 OF 7
On-Track Unit Plan
Overview
Purpose
To familiarize freshmen with the concept of “On-Track” status
Grade Level
First-semester freshmen
ASCA*
Standards Addressed
A:A1.5 – Identify attitudes and behaviors which lead to successful learning
A:B2.3 – Develop and implement an annual plan of study to maximize academic ability and achievement
# of Sessions
Three Total
Session #1: What Does “On-Track” Mean? Session #2: What is my 4-Year Plan?
Session #3: Am I On Track?
Time Required
45 minutes each
Evaluation Tools
Pre- and post-tests
IMPLEMENTING SCHOOL-BASED TEAMS
NCS FRESHMAN ON-TRACK TOOLKIT
* American School Counselor Association

3. C On-Track Unit Plan Session #1: What Does “On-Track” Mean?
TOOL SET C
Engaging Students in On-Track Conversations
PAGE 2 OF 7
On-Track Unit Plan
Session #1: What Does “On-Track” Mean?
Goals & Objectives
Goal 1: Introduce students to the concept of On Track
Objective 1: Students will learn the definition of “On-Track”
Objective 2: Students will explore the credit requirements for graduation
Objective 3: Students will identify the “checkpoints” that occur throughout the year
Goal 2: Develop an awareness of the importance of staying On Track throughout high school
Objective 1: Students will explore the relationship between freshman On-Track status and graduating from high school
Objective 2: Students will brainstorm and discuss possible consequences of falling off track in freshman year
Objective 3: Students will explore the relationship between attendance and On-Track status
ASCA*
Standards Addressed
A:A1.5 – Identify attitudes and behaviors which lead to successful learning
Time Required
45 minutes
Materials Needed
What Does “On-Track” Mean? PowerPoint
Evaluation Tools
Pre- and post-tests
IMPLEMENTING SCHOOL-BASED TEAMS
NCS FRESHMAN ON-TRACK TOOLKIT
* American School Counselor Association

4. C On-Track Unit Plan Session #1: What Does “On-Track” Mean? (cont.)
TOOL SET C
Engaging Students in On-Track Conversations
PAGE 3 OF 7
On-Track Unit Plan
Session #1: What Does “On-Track” Mean? (cont.)
Complete pre-test with students (5 min.)
Begin PowerPoint
Making It to College activity and time for processing (8-9 min.)
On-Track lesson (5 min.)
Lesson Plan
c. Is This Student On Track? group activity (5 min.)
Attendance lesson (5 min.)
Activity and share-out (5-6 min.)
Checkpoints and wrap-up (5 min.)
3. Complete post-test with students (5 min.)
IMPLEMENTING SCHOOL-BASED TEAMS
NCS FRESHMAN ON-TRACK TOOLKIT
235

5. C On-Track Unit Plan Session #2: What is my 4-Year Plan?
TOOL SET C
Engaging Students in On-Track Conversations
PAGE 4 OF 7
On-Track Unit Plan
Session #2: What is my 4-Year Plan?
Goals & Objectives
Goal 1: To develop a 4-year individual plan of study
Objective 1: Students will use the transcript evaluation form to review the course requirements for graduation
Objective 2: Students will explore the relationship between creating a 4-year plan and staying On Track
Objective 3: Students will apply their knowledge of the graduation requirements to map out courses for the entire four years of high school
ASCA*
Standards Addressed
A:B2.3 – Develop and implement an annual plan of study to maximize academic ability and achievement
Time Required
45 minutes
Materials Needed
Copies of the transcript evaluation/4-year plan of study form
Small bag of candy
Evaluation Tools
Pre- and post-tests
IMPLEMENTING SCHOOL-BASED TEAMS
NCS FRESHMAN ON-TRACK TOOLKIT
236
* American School Counselor Association

6. C On-Track Unit Plan Session #2: What is my 4-Year Plan?
TOOL SET C
Engaging Students in On-Track Conversations
PAGE 5 OF 7
On-Track Unit Plan
Session #2: What is my 4-Year Plan?
Complete pre-test with students (5 min.)
Pop-quiz for candy (5 min.)
What does the concept of On Track mean? (On-Track means you are performing in a manner that will allow you to graduate in four years. Must earn at least 5 credits by June of freshman year and can fail no more than one semester of one core course.)
An On-Track freshman is how many times more likely to graduate in four years than an off- track freshman? (3.5 times)
How many credits do you need to graduate from high school? (24 credits)
Lesson Plan
d. If you pass all of your classes freshman year, how many credits can you earn by the end of the year? (6 credits)
Pass out a transcript evaluation form to each student. Explain how it illustrates the graduation requirements, elective courses, and non-credit requirements. Discuss courses open to freshmen, sophomores, juniors, and seniors. (5 min.)
Instruct students to fill out their tentative 4-year plans on the transcript evaluation form. Explain that these plans are not set in stone and may change from year to year. Ask students why having a plan can help them stay On Track to Graduate. (25 min)
Complete post-test with students (5 min.)
IMPLEMENTING SCHOOL-BASED TEAMS
NCS FRESHMAN ON-TRACK TOOLKIT
237

7. C On-Track Unit Plan Session #3: Am I On Track?
TOOL SET C
Engaging Students in On-Track Conversations
PAGE 6 OF 7
On-Track Unit Plan
Session #3: Am I On Track?
(To be completed after 1st semester transcripts are available)
Goals & Objectives
Goal 1: To assist students in identifying and evaluating their On-Track status after the 1st semester
Objective 1: Students will use the transcript evaluation form to evaluate their first transcripts
Objective 2: Each student will determine his/her On-Track status and develop a plan to get On Track or remain On Track for the 2nd semester
ASCA*
Standards Addressed
A:A1.5 – Identify attitudes and behaviors which lead to successful learning
A:B2.3 – Develop and implement an annual plan of study to maximize academic ability and achievement
Time Required
45 minutes
Materials Needed
Students’ completed 4-year plans/transcript evaluation forms
Each student’s transcript
Am I On Track? worksheet
“On Track” guide poster
A few pieces of candy
Evaluation Tools
Pre- and post-tests
IMPLEMENTING SCHOOL-BASED TEAMS
NCS FRESHMAN ON-TRACK TOOLKIT
238
* American School Counselor Association

8. C On-Track Unit Plan Session #3: Am I On Track?
TOOL SET C
Engaging Students in On-Track Conversations
PAGE 7 OF 7
On-Track Unit Plan
Session #3: Am I On Track?
(To be completed after 1st semester transcripts are available)
Complete pre-test with students (5 min.)
Pop-quiz for candy (1 min.)
What does the concept of On Track mean? (On-Track means you are performing in a manner that will allow you to graduate in four years. Must earn at least 5 credits by June of freshman year and can fail no more than one semester of one core course.)
If you pass all of your classes, how many credits can you earn by the end of 1st semester? (3 credits)
3. Define “transcript.” (A document that shows all the classes you passed in high school, your grades, GPA, and any special awards, activities, or honors that you received. Many colleges use it to make admissions decisions.) Pass out each student’s transcript. Discuss how to read a transcript – point out the following: identifying information, class rank, courses passed/ failed, credits, service learning hours, and GPA. (10 min.)
Lesson Plan
Pass out each student’s transcript evaluation form/4-year plan that he/she completed during the last lesson. Instruct students to fill out the transcript evaluation form, checking off each 1st semester class that they passed. Pointing out the “Am I On Track?” poster, have students write on the form whether they are On Track and why. (10 min.)
Complete post-test with students (5 min.)
IMPLEMENTING SCHOOL-BASED TEAMS
NCS FRESHMAN ON-TRACK TOOLKIT
239